Busara, the Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA), and the Network of Impact Evaluation Researchers in Africa (NIERA) are hosting a week of evidence-focused events taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, from June 23rd to June 27th, 2025. This collaboration combines the 2025 Economic Science Association (ESA) Africa Conference and the 13th annual Africa Evidence Summit to advance global knowledge, build partnerships, and showcase innovations in inclusive research, evidence-informed policy, and practice. 

Prior to ESA Africa conference, CEGA and NIERA will co-host the 13th annual Africa Evidence Summit on June 23-24, 2025, focusing on “Better Data for Decision-Making.”

Africa-Evidence-SummitESA-Africa-Conference

3ie will be attending an invite-only session hosted by our partner CEGA (Center for Effective Global Action at the University of California, Berkeley) on June 25th at the Busara office. This session will workshop and discuss findings from CEGA’s CIDR initiative, which maps the state of inclusion in global development research.

Session 1: Impact Evaluation Basics of Evidence Synthesis and Evolving Methods in Evaluation
Date: 25 June

3ie will be leading a day long training session on impact evaluation basics of evidence synthesis and evolving methods in evaluation

Session 2: AI in Action – Transforming Evidence Generation, Synthesis, and Impact Measurement

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping how we generate, synthesize, and apply evidence to address complex policy and development challenges. From accelerating systematic reviews and meta-analyses to enabling real-time data collection and advanced impact evaluation methods, AI is unlocking new frontiers in evidence-informed decision-making.

This panel will explore the practical applications of AI in transforming how we design evaluations, synthesize large bodies of knowledge, and measure the impact of interventions more efficiently and accurately. It will also address emerging risks, ethical considerations, and how researchers and policymakers can navigate this evolving landscape responsibly.

Hosted by 3ie, this session invites thought leaders and practitioners to discuss cutting-edge innovations and the future of AI-driven evidence for smarter policy solutions.

Panelist:

  • Rasha Attar, Director of Behavioural Science Group- Office of Development Affairs, Presidential Court, UAE
  • Benjamin Krause, Executive Director of the Becker Friedman Insititute for Economics at University of Chicago
  • Thomas Kelly, Director- Evidence for Policy and Learning, 3ie
  • Geetika Pandya, Senior Research Associate, 3ie

Session 2: Do agricultural insurance programs improve smallholder farmer wellbeing, food insecurity, and agricultural outcomes in low-and middle-income countries? Evidence from five impact evaluations' by Geetika Pandya, Senior Research Associate, 3ie. 

For more information, please visit the event website.